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Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | north shore | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | handfinished workmanship, paint is the best, pierced seat tubes are silver soldered to maintain tubing heat treatment | | Weaknesses: | Flash,watch it or someone will steal it. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Hammer, Custom Dekerf Road bike, Klein attitude. | | Bike Setup: | Dekerf Team Sl, full xtr grouppo, rockshox sl(ti) fork | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for singletrack, started doing more bike touring. I had Dekerf weld on some rack mounts (also toured with a Bob trailer) and toured the pacific coast highway, new zealand, and australia east coast. The bike and component group was flawless, I carried a pretty heavy load for eight months of every day touring and in between did lots of road riding and fire roads. I never had one problem, not one component broken, the wheels stayed true, I found the paint to be durable unlike other reviews. The best bike I have owned, now gone, stolen 2004. I'd buy another dekerf in a second. I have tried other bikes but the ride of the 853 tubing the way chris has put them together makes for a really comfortable ride, climbs well, and likes the singletrack. I had trouble justifying the money for the XTR in the beginning but I put over 10,000 km's on the bike and the shifting is still crisp and I'll say it again not one broken part in all those km's. The XTR rapidfire shifters do not wear out. Spend the money if you ride alot, you'll have it for years! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mik fenwick
a Weekend Warrior
from yorkshire,uk
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the next one | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | the fridge | | Strengths: | ride quality,build quality,and,hey,it`s a Dekerf | | Weaknesses: | it makes me neglect my girl,my beer and everything else in my life! | | Similar Products Used: | other bike is an explosif(853) | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox,xtr,Hope,Middleburn,Ringle-dream spec,money no object! | | Bottom Line: | Chris Dekerf is God!Never has steel been as sensual,and grin inducing as my beautiful bike!Come to Yorkshire and ride the finest piece of art that has ever got covered in sheep s**t! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andreas Klauser
a Cross Country Rider
from Feldafing
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | used bike section of "bike" | | Strengths: | Design, slim steel looks, geometry, stiffness,... | | Weaknesses: | paint job | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 9900 OCLV '98, Hot Chili Zymotic Aluminium hard core hardtail at present, in the past: Marin Indian Fire Trail | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Bomber Atom 80, Shimano XT, Magura 10th Anniversary, Mavic ceramic rims... | | Bottom Line: | It a Generation 1997. Paint is no good at all: looks very nice (petrol), but falls of like dandruff in a breeze. Else: best bike! I am 230 lbs, and it keeps me going. From the feel it is nearly as stiff as the Zymotic, but somehow it is much more comfortable. The geometry is very fast indeed. I put in a Bomber with its 80mm and is still razor sharp. Also its handling is verrryy precise. In comparison, the Zymotic (=Indian fire Trail) takes stiffness to unhealthy extremes, the Trek Carbon has its point, too. It is still softer on the trail, but its handling is much less wel defined. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Mississauga
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Kendra | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Duke's | | Strengths: | Strong, light, stiff | | Weaknesses: | Yeah, the paint sucks | | Similar Products Used: | Norco, Specialized, Rocky Mountain | | Bike Setup: | Eclectic Shimano, XT hubs, levers and BB; XTR brakes; LX shifters, derailleurs and cogs; Deore cranks. Frogs, cheapo post, ti bar, Rhyno light rims. | | Bottom Line: | Well folks this takes a story,
I go out for a ride with some friends. We drive to the trailhead with no problems. It's a great day for a ride, the trails are dry and challenging, and the bike is amazing. We ride for the afternoon until my friends are getting tired, but not me because this frame is so forgiving. So we load up the cars to go home, with my bike on the back of the other car.
Well as we are traveling down the highway at a hundred km/h I watch with horror as my bike slides off the back of the other car. I see it bounce, and bounce, then complete anarchy reigns around it as it spins and flips down the side of the road. I think my conversation at the time went like this:
ME "that's my bike"
CHRIS (he is driving) "What?"
ME "that's my bike"
CHRIS "Oh my God"
Then silence as we slowed down and pulled over. I get out of the car and walk down the shoulder, images of tacos and pretzels going through my head. I reach my bike, pick it up and spin the rear wheel, it's still true. This is a good sign. We throw the bike in the back and take it home.
After going over my bike with a fine toothed comb all I could find wrong with it is a broken rear shifter, front deraileur and a bent rigid fork. The frame is still true for which I am extremely grateful as Dekerf is no longer brazing frames. Now I know I will never crash hard enough to abuse my frame the way it was pushed during that slight mishap, I would need to land sideways at 30 which just won't happen.
So I am now quite convinced that this frame is ultra strong, as well as being the nicest riding bicycle I have ever owned.
As for the rating I give it a five all around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Houston
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Hill Ranch, Smithville, TX | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | West End Bicycles | | Strengths: | Sweet, Agressive Ride; Beautiful Workmanship; Light and Strong | | Weaknesses: | High Cost | | Bike Setup: | Team SL; Z2 Atom Bomb; King Heasdet; Ibis Bar & Ends; Control Tech Post; Ritchey Stem, Seat, Speedmax; XT Cranks, BB, Shifter/Lever, Rear Der; XTR Brakes, Rear Der; 517/XTR/DT rev handbuilt by yours truly; and the oldest 737's still in operation. | | Bottom Line: | The “Nerf”. I love this ride.
It's more bike than I ever thought I would ever own (or need for that matter), but when my lbs owner offered me HIS bike, slightly used (6 rides, no scratches, slight scuffs on crank arms) at a great price, I could NOT pass it up.
After I rode it once, even my girlfriend, who does not understand MTB at all, saw that it was a nice deal and I had fallen in love with it (and she pestered me until I bought it).
Sure, it was more than I had planned on spending on a bike (or will ever spend again). But considering it had all of the extras (King, Ibis, XTR), I HAD to have it. I was also considering the Klein Attitude Comp with some upgrades, but after those adders, it ended up being the same price.
After 2 days of hemming and hawwing, I took him a check and never looked back.
This bike loves tight, technical singletrack and loves to be pushed. It handles like a dream (as long as you have sufficient meat to hook up to the trail) and takes all my 200+ lb fat a$$ can dish out. It encourages me to ride harder and to push my own envelope.
This bike has been all over Texas with me, and has made side trips to New Mexico and Colorado (it carried me to a 2nd to last place finish in Leadville this year) and I looooove riding it.
Although it is a great bike, I would be hard pressed to spend more on it than I did. For the same money, you can get a lot of bike these days. But the Nerf rocks, and I love it.
As Ferris Bueller says, "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking up one."
As Jack Nicholson would say, "It makes me want to be a better rider."
4 Value Chilis for the price (I'd go lower, but I don't want to skew the overall results) and 5 Big Bad Chilis for the Overall Rating.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deke
a
from Toronto, CANADA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Duke's Cycle, Toronto | | Strengths: | Light! Strong! Stiff! This frame gets used for technical
x-country and trials riding, and has been as smooth as silk to ride (rigid!!!!). Very agile & responsive, with a aluminum like climbing ability. | | Weaknesses: | The built-in seatpost collar isn't great for my use, but for a light steel frame a couple of grams saved is good.
| | Similar Products Used: | '97 DeKerf Generation frame, '94 TBL Ozone Pro frame,
and an old school Ritchey frame (great frame, U-brakes suck!). | | Bike Setup: | 4130 Cro-mo fork, Race Face everything except for the hdst,
Chris King, Mavic rims, Shimano XT & XTR drive, and brakes,
Paul's brake levers, Ring God cring guard, Shimano DX platform pedals. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a high performance frame that rides like it's on rails, is stronger than a s*#t brickhouse, and you can climb
like it's aluminum, then this is the frame for you!! Steel is smooth to ride, & Chris Dekerf's beautifull welding and
the wishbone seat-stays make this frame one quick feeling
ride! Airbourne has the style right but they will never touch the incredible strenght of the DeKerf welds!
If you x-country ride and want a light bike the can be built a around the 23-24 lb. mark no problem. For trials it's a bit pricey, but you can't take it with you...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Paulson
a Cross Country Rider
from Winona,MN,USA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Amasa Back | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bikes Ltd. | | Strengths: | handling traits,craftsmanship,unique design,weight(relative to steel),spectacular "looking paint". | | Weaknesses: | price,poor paint (in terms of durability | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Xcal 97' 853
Cuda a2b tange
SPec M2 | | Bike Setup: | Race Face, Sram,Maggies, and Hugi | | Bottom Line: | Best hardtail I've ever ridden.......hands down. I am a bit of a steel connosieur, and this is where it is at, sorry if'ers. My only complaint is the paint job, which looks great, but flakes oh so easily. Plus, I wouldn't have been able to afford it had I not gotten a deal, which also sucks for most people, yet it it worth it if you can muster the coin. I would recommend riding some lesser quality steel for a long time before getting this frame, then you will appreciate the finer qualities that much more.
HR (I rated it so high on value, because I believe you can't put a price on singletrack nirvana.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregor Babic
a Cross Country Rider
from Barrie
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Waterloo Hydrocut | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | used through this site | | Strengths: | looks + craftsmanship
weight
durability
that oh so wonderful steel ride | | Weaknesses: | PRICE! | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Hammer | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z3 light, Race Face LP crankset and bottom brkt, Bontranger Mustang XT hub wheelset, XTR rear der., LX frt, XT rapidfire shifters, LX brakes, ESP 9.0 brk levers, Bontranger seatpost and bar | | Bottom Line: | I bought this frame through the used marketplace on this website, so in the end I ended up paying half the price, and the frame happened to be this wonderful army green, custom powder coated paint job so I don't have any durability issues with scratches. Excellent ride quality, and workmanship may make the cost justifiable for a unique custom bike frame, but I don't think I would have been willing to pay that kind of price.
The bike has a quick race geometry so it takes a while to get used to it at first, I'm using a 63mm travel fork which doesn't help, you may want to go with a longer travel to slacken the head angle. Otherwise it handles and climbes like a dream and my 21" frame doesn't feel like as big as it is. Much more nimble and comfortable to ride than my friends 20" Kona Explosive, who has his bike comparably specked. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Bingham
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, United States
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any dirt trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Awesome design & craftsmanship on the steel frame. The rear seat stays are so rigid I gave my rear brake booster to a friend. | | Weaknesses: | None.I bought my bike to ride, not show off the paint job in a museum. | | Similar Products Used: | Every other frame material on the market. Nothing compares to a steel frame. | | Bike Setup: | Easton Monkey Lite bars, 8 speed XTR brakes & shifters, Race Face stem, Chris King headset, Marzochhi A Bomb front shock, Cane Creek Thudbuster seatpost, Mavic 217 ceramic rims. | | Bottom Line: | The frame design is 1 of-a-kind. The seatstay's are drilled and welded together - not bent. This makes them strong & they do NOT flex. Check out their web site: http://www.dekerf.com/ to find a dealer near you. Do NOT buy any other frame until you look at one of these. I have never seen so much detail on welded steel tubes. The frame is built right & built to last. I would keep my bike in the house - to admire the quality details...if only I could keep all of the dirt off it.
I am riding with 3" (100mm) travel on the front/rear (seatpost). The suspension soaks up all of the small bumps off-road or even on the road. I don't want to let any more of my friends take a test ride on my DeKerf..it takes forever to catch them & throw them off so I can ride it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Dowse
a Weekend Warrior
from Dorset, Enland
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The Quantocks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | ('99 Team SL)Fantastic design, attention to detail and build.
Inspiringly smooth and fast ride sensation | | Weaknesses: | Yes the lush paint soon chips and scratches too easily and touch-up paint not available.
My seat tube was poorly reamed and integral seat collar is neat but not as convienent as quick release type | | Similar Products Used: | Other bike is a Kona Kilauea | | Bike Setup: | Canadianised with Race Face headset,stem,seat post, xt/ESP drive train and excellent British Pace EvoII forks (stiff, plush and British weather proof!) | | Bottom Line: | Undoubtably Mr DeKerf has created a timeless masterpiece. A work of great pipe wizardry and I have to confess when I first got my Viper Blue Team SL I lovingly gazed for hours at all those neat unique details. But it's not just a pretty face, some in-depth structural thinking went into shaping this frame's beautifully welded tubes. But if like me you think the finish is smooth, wait till you ride it. Silky smooth, as it just seems to sail over ever trail trama. Leach like traction and not a moments drama as you try and keep up with a bike begging for the next gear. A bike for connoisseurs that excels as an all-rounder, but it's real show piece is scorching your favourite singletrack faster than you ever thought possible. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Various | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Fairly compliant ride, nice frame detail/design and 'exclusivity'(not really that useful in real terms) | | Weaknesses: | The paint quality on a frame of this price is absolutely scandalous- paint chips really easily and with steel this is not a good look, especially when you live in this kind of changeable climate. The stiffness of the front triangle is also a bit of an issue- the physical flex is almost scary and makes for bad tracking over roots, tight turns and rutty stuff. Only really suitable for short-=travel(63mm)suspension forks.Also super easy to dent. | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale, trek, marin etc. | | Bike Setup: | hope disks, z2 xfly, hope wheels, xtr | | Bottom Line: | This frame is not worth the money. Dont get me wrong, it is a nice frame and rides ok-good for long rides etc. but these qualities can be gained for a lot less money(even though i got a staff discount).Too many drawbacks to justify it, and the *its a dekerf-wow!*(~lots of dosh)thing is not a justification for this.
On reflection, would have bought a Ti frame instead- stiffer and more durable. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Webber
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Follow up to review below. | | Bottom Line: | I didn't hear from Chris but Paul did respond. He had been out on sales calls for weeks and apologized for the lack of communication. On his next road trip south he stopped by the shop (unfortunately I wasn't there) with 2 bottles of touch up paint and some other goodies.
Jason (the shop owner) said Paul was genuinely concerned with the lack of service DeKerf had provided and really wanted to make sure everything was now OK. Thank you Paul, I feel much better now knowing someone cares.
I now feel DeKerf will provide service if I ever need it so here goes with the new rating.
Due to the initial problems I can't rate it a 5 even though the overal ride is worth it.
New rating is 4. Very nice bike.
Thanks Paul, hope to meet you next time you make it down this way. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Webber
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Awesome design and construction (other than see weaknesses).
Perfect alignment on rear disc mount. | | Weaknesses: |
Dekerf does not respond to email or calls about problems.
Paint chips easily.
Paint chipped on head tube and B/B out of box.
Damaged thread on B/B and bad ream on seat tube out of box.
Paint on underside of seatstay at seat tube is poor.
Rene is gone. | | Similar Products Used: |
Bontrager Race Lite Bontrager Race
Moots Ti
Moots steel (early'90's) | | Bike Setup: |
RST air fork
XTR der & shifters
RaceFace cranks, headset
Magura Louise discs & wheelset | | Bottom Line: | I started dealing with Rene @ Dekerf and he was very helpful and answered all questions promptly. He left before my frame was ready to ship. I'm sure I would not have had any of these problems if Rene was still there. He was great.
I have called Dekerf and left messages on their machine (during the daytime) 3 times but no call back. The owner of the shop I work at part time called about a new frame and got a call back the next day! Chris Dekerf told him he would call me about the problems but hasn't (approx. 2 weeks).
I have emailed Dekerf MANY times since late August (still have all the copies) and still no response to the above problems. Also, still no touch up paint.
I will repost an updated review if I ever hear from Dekerf. Chris, PLEASE call or email me! Awesome frame other than above problems, would have been 4 or maybe 5. It rides as well as all the reviews below say.
The bitterness of ZERO customer service on a $1200+ frame drops it to a 2. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross-Country Rider
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Emma Long, Austin, TX | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Race geometry
Fairly light
Agile like a mountain goat
Cool colors from which you get to pick
Can paint your fork legs to match the frame for small $ | | Weaknesses: |
Wimpy Derailleur Hanger | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 8000 and 8500
Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: |
Marzocchi Z2, 9-speed XT/XTR drivetrain, XTR V-brakes, Race Face bars, stem, seatpost, King NoThreadset, Mavic 517 w/XTR hubs | | Bottom Line: | All I can say is YEE-HAW! (I'm not actually from Texas, but the lingo is easy to pick up) This bike is fairly light (24.5 lbs) and rides like a dream. Slices through tight singletrack like a male squirrel during mating season. Climbs well and tracks well through rocky technical sections. The only gripe I have is with the derailleur hanger as I have had to re-adjust it a few times. No problems with the paint as mentioned in several other reviews, but she's just a pup (i.e. I've only had the bike for six months). I'd recommend this frame to anyone wanting a custom steel frame. I've been riding aluminum frame bikes for the last 6 years, and it is nice to get back to cro-mo. KUDOS to Chris, Renee, and everyone else at DeKerf! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gary macdonald
a Racer
from toronto
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
3 stage | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
this bike is fast, climbs like a demon and is a great racer. I have the team st and i loved it until it broke. it,s now in vancouver being repaired. | | Weaknesses: |
i broke the frame through no fault of my own. it broke where the titanium is bonded to the steel. dekerf says it,s a manufacturing problem. also the paint chips off like crazy, it shouldn,t!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bottom Line: | i loved riding and racing this bike but i am now worried about the softtail design and if it is possible to bond titanium to steel. i paid alot of money for this bike and now i am forced to ride around on a low end i-drive gt.I WANT MY BIKE BACK!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
StanUT
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ladies Only | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Lively Ride
Great Angles for me
you can strip the paint off and you would still know it's a Dekerf
DeKerf throws a great Valentines Party with caged dancers | | Similar Products Used: |
Merlin
Dean
Redline
Cannondale
DeKerf Team | | Bike Setup: |
Z2
XT/Syncros | | Bottom Line: | Out of all my bikes that I have owned in the past this has the most soul. My first DeKerf was a Team but I managed to crimple the down tube because my Z2 adjusting knobs hit the down tube which might have weakened it. I got it fixed,on my own, and now my wife has it. She loves it. The boys at DeKerf determined that the damage had nothing to do with their workman ship and I had reluctantly agreed but the good news was that thay would offer any frame to me at their cost so I quickly said to sign me up for my Tangerine 1999 Team SL with the Titanium chainstays. After 3 months of waiting and badgering Renee the Marketing Manager I finally picked up the bike. What a ride!!! Climbing is easier from getting more traction and the rear spring gives up no performance compared to a hard tail. Steel is real. My friend just got a Generation for his 30th Bday and he loves his also. I love my bike, of coarse the wife comes first. (when I'm not riding) Hats off to the boys at DeKerf. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
muggles
a cross-country rider
from Saskatoon
Date Reviewed: February 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I was lucky enough to find a 97 WCS Team frame in Candy Red on sale for $1400 Canadian (including the crappy Judy XC and headset). Needless to say Iwas pretty stoked!!! Built it up with Syncros stem, Time pedals, race face rings and cranks, Avid brakes, Ti bar and XT etc.. A mean machine! I rode it on Vancouver Island, Kananaskis and it performed like a dream. Then 1 year later (this fall) the brake bosses broke off doing trials. OOOPS! Called DeKerf - Do you have hydraulic brakes? they asked me. No. So they told me to send it to them. They fixed it up for me for and had it repainted for free (+ $75 in shipping I had to pay). A very long month of walking everyf@ckingwhere (they made me change this before I could post this review- bastard censors!)I went later, my frame arrived. Birthday and Christmas in one!!! Unfortunately it was painted the wrong color ( I wanted it to be redone in Viper Blue), but that is sorta irrelevent, ce n'est pas? Now it is as good as new, and I am in the process of making it more trials and downhill friendly (Short race face stem, and an Easton Monkey-Lite on order). Combined with my new Cane creek wheels, she rocks! I just can't wait for spring, as it snowed the day after I got it all back together. And that's my story. The frame itself I give 5+ burning roaches-no other bike I have ever ridden compares (which is why I bought one). Customer service is lacking however. Good intentions perhaps, but somewhat disorganized (enjoying a bit too much of Vancouver's finest perhaps?). Thus I give to this portion a 4, which averges out to 4.5 and rounds off to 5 burning roaches.
THE END | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
al
a cross-country rider
from nj, usa
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
got a team st (moots style rear) with a choice race face/xt/judy sl/crow riser bar package. I have owned too many alcoa and easton tubed hard tails to list, and my sweet pre-trek bontrager race got stolen. after a couple of months of deliberation...got the team soft tail. best handling frame I have ever come across. the shop I work at carries 7, merlin, s-works etc. all really nice. the st gives up nothing in terms of manic grin producing performance. it owns technical rooty/rutted single track. I think it's psychic, the way it just gleams through the twisty stuff. one down side to my spec choice: the judy. I still have an alu' hard tail with a 98 Z2 up front: when I ride the two bikes back to back on the same trails the bomber makes the judy feel like a noodle.
I'm thinking about switching the forks (after dekerf paint the Z2 to match my cool ass tangerine paint scheme of course.) any way the bike closer to being perfect then I deserve...one thing; make sure you throw a breakaway rear mech bolt on from day one... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Simon
a cross-country rider
from sommerville,nj
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got mine this season and i love it. Like all the others the pait dosn't last but i want performance overall. I just went frm a GT Zaskar LE and that was just as nice of a ride for less money but hey, the Dekerf looks cool as shit so i will go with that. Bottom line is that it is a nice ride and that is worth any price. The name is ride hard and ride on and that is just what this bike will do. Happy biking | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duncan Maxwell
a cross-country rider
from Edmonton, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hmm, what to say about DeKerf?First a little background on my bike. I work at a atore. Im a mechanic. We sell Trek, Rocky Mountain and Gary Fisher, as well as (until this year) DeVinci, a less well known Canadian bike brand. None of these suited my interests, so I started searching for someone that would sell me a made in canada steel frame, since I was replacing my aging but still very comfrotable custom steel frame. I called Brodie, but no go, I had to go through the local Brodie dealer.Then I called DeKerf. Had to leave a message. Who calls me the next day? Chris DeKerf. Nice. Anyway, he says theyd be happy to set me up with a bike, so I had him fax over a price list to me and ordered a Team SL, frame only, in Guinness. @0 minutes later I decided to swithch the color to Burgundy. Mailed a cheque out the next day (Late June) and sat and waited for my bike....Dekerf said Mid-July.Well, Mid0july came around, and no bike....However they HAD cashed the cheque.....Panic began to set in! I called them, and they informed me that the painter (who is in Edmonton) had Metal shavings in his eye and wasnt painting....I'd have to wait. Just a ffew days they said. Okay then! Ill get it next week!A week went by. No Bike. I called Greg Caines, owner of Shiny Shiny Coatings (the greatest paint shop on the planet) and asked him what was up....He said he had no idea and I should call Dekerf. One long distance call later I called Greg back and told him that Dekerf would contact him abou my bike...he was apologetic and offered to paint my bike in '99 colors, then listed em off.Anyhow, three weeks later I finally picked up my new DeKerf team SL. I was PO'ed but at least I had it....Olive green in color (the '99 olive green that apparently never went to production, so I have the only one!). Took it to the bike shop, baked the paint in the window till the last hour I was working, and then built it all up with my old parts and a new seat post and front derailleur to fit the different sizes.Well, one ride and I wasnt PO'ed any more....wow. This bike is NICE. Its hard to describe it, sorta like its hard to describe the best meal you ever had, it was just GOOD. I commuted on it till the end of October, then turned into a winter hermet, only riding to and friom the gym and around town....but Its still fun to walk past everyday and look at the finish on the bike...amazing paint!However the bike is not witout its problems......
First off, its steel, which means it CAN rust....DeKerf has lessened the likely hood by adding plugs to the wishbone rear end. If you dont know what I mean, ask someone with an old dekerf, Im sure they'll talk your ear off about it.
Secondly that back end is FLEXY. It oughta be stiff....but it aint. I discovered this one day while riding along with only one leg (dont ask, I developed Tendonitis on a long road ride with new pedals). I could actually FEEL the movement in the frame by placing my foot on it....The guys I ride with claimed to be able to see it, but Im not sure, since I wouldnt let anyone else ride it that long (mostly cause It meant I had to ride THEIR bike...ick!). I cant say it has any affect on riding characteristics though!
THird the paint CHIPS and SCRATCHES and scuffs. Beautiful paint but man does it mark easy.....I suppose I could bring this up to Greg at SHiny, but hey, you make trade-offs for paint this nice.All in all the bike is terrific. Id reccomend it to anyone looking for a bike that can do almost anything...Just be prepared to fork out a LOT of money for a steel bike here! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
retroboy
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: November 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have waited several months to post this review so the wow factor would wear off a bit. I purchased my 98 Dekerf Generation in August. It was $2,000 Cdn with a mostly XT parts kit and riser bars. While I am very pleased with the handling, the bike is not without problems. On the negative side I have had serious problems with chainsuck in muddy and wet/sandy conditions. The anti-suck device usually stops the chain from being pulled into the nether regions. However, once or twice it has become seriously jammed. After the latest episode, my chain is now junk. I've also broken off a tooth on the Truvativ chainring. On the positive side this bike is an esthetic dream. The plum looks awesome in the sun. Very low key and cool. Too many stickers though. As mentioned, the handling is sweet. Very agile and predictable in fast and twisty singletrack and nimble in technical terrain. I plan to upgrade the chainrings to help with the chainsuck problem. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a made-in-Canada hartail. It is a good alternative to a Rocky Mountain. Better looking, better finished and more exclusive. My last bike was a Rocky, but my next one will be another Dekerf -- if I can ever part with this light and agile steel ride. Yes the paint chips easily, but my LBS said the bike can be shipped and sent to Dekerf for a repaint for $150. I'll be repainting a few years from now while you're trying to find replacement parts for that broken down and ugly full suspension heap that is now yesterday's useless technical invention. Down with Rocky for promoting FS rigs and virtually abandoning steel. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Schnepf
a downhiller
from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a DeKerf Generation frame recently and am racing dual slalom and some x-country on it. This is the most unbelievable bike I have ever had. I have had a Kona which I liked, I had a KHS (which I hated),and my last bike was a Rocky Mountain Vertex T.O. I loved my Rocky but it was nothing compared to my DeKerf. I think the coolest thing about DeKerf is that you pick whatever color you want. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris sikorski
a cross-country rider
from trumbull,ct usa
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
98 dekerf team sl frame.i have ridden all the others but nothing holds a candle to my dekerf.Sweetest ride in the world.Hooked up with syncros it is a show stopper. Waiting for my custom prodigy road frame.Climbs as good as my cdale but still can walk after a 2 hour ride.Being 6'5' 195 the bike is stiff enough for a sprint or the toughest climb. paint is soso but waiting for a awsome custom paint job. Two thumbs up to Chris Dekerf and Rene . what a fine job | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AVERY
a racer
from N.Y
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I drove to canada and got myself the team soft tail,this bike is the fastest bike i have been on ,steel is still the way to go.The bad news is i broke my clavical racing this rocket10 days after i got it.Now i spend my days dreaming of next season.The best part is i called dekerf and they helped me locate this frame.Never buy a cookie cutter bike they have no passion for what biking is still about. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie
a cross-country rider
from ottawa, canada
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The 1998 Dekerf Team Soft tail is the nicest bike I've ever ridden. The rear shock takes the edge off most hits without the inefficiency of most rear suspension systems. Stability and handling are confidence inspiring. The craftsmanship is awesome of course and you get to be (probably) the only kid on the block with such an exclusive bike. The only not super positive comment is that the rear spring needs frequent lubrication, although still less maintenance than a regular dual suspension bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry
a cross-country rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the '98 Dekerf Generation made from Reynolds 725 tubing with a mix of XT/LX, Judy XC fork and Ritchey parts. This frame is top notch with its signature wishbone seat stays, downtube gusset and sloping top tube. The custom craftmanship and quality is better than Rocky Mountain and its made in Vancouver. This bike can climb hills like a rocket and is very responsive. The only bad part is the paint job which scratches easily. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Bayley
a cross-country rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought a De Kerf Generation frame recently when in Canada and am very happy with the way the bike rides. It is very fast on all climbs and I feel that I could do with larger chain rings as it is so easy to climb. My other bike is a Joshua, but both bikes have their place. Well done De Kerf, I like it a lot. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luciano Serra
a weekend warrior
from Sao Paulo, Brazil
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've just got a '98 Team SL. The frame is awsome! Well brazed. The work on it is grate. The only, but only miss: despite the cool-looks color, the paint job doesn't last very long. You'll have to cover mostly of the frame with trasparent adhesives to protect it. I was between the Ibis Mojo, De Kerf team SL and VooDoo Bizango... got the Team SL! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yuri
a cross-country rider
from Ottawa
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm lucky - I got one of the last WCS' with see-through chainstays. Beautiful.The bike is a piece of art that you get to ride. It handles extremely well, is light, relatively stiff, and makes heads turn (the tangerine looks really good in the fall). You'll find yourself cleaning things you never thought possible. The welds are perfect - even on things like brake bosses where other people cut corners.Nice part is - if you ever hurt your bike Chris can fix it. So far I know of one derailleur hanger and one chainstay that have been replaced. Both were back in about one week.The only caveat: I wouldn't recommend the Judy fork. Get something better for the front of your bike.Get one before Chris gets bored of making bikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a cross-country rider
from Squamish
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Dekerf bikes kick ass. I got me a Generation frame all built up custom and no bike is better. I can ride anything on this bike,including your mom, and it looks damn good. The bike looks so good, in fact, that even you could pick up women with it. The bike is best for mud (like your mom likes), but it rips it up in any condition, especially compared to a KONA. Them things are shit. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
the three legged wolf
a racer
from seattle,WA, usa
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First what do you want from the bike is going to determine what is going to work and what is not. I race X-country and specialize in endurance events. So predictable handling, agility, durability, and comfort are paramount. If You weigh over 165 lbs. the frame might be too soft , if you are light, this fram is does not abuse the rider and tracks straighter than most production and handbuilt bikes that I have ridden. Handling is lightening fast when the ride wishes to turn. Works well with a countersteering technique, which is desireable in technical terrain. Very canadian. Metal craftsmanship is outstanding and I have seen alot of different bikes. Paint, however doesnt seem to hold to the primer very well? For a technical woods bike It probably should be powder coated....( hey guys) High recommendations for the skilled riders wanting a lightening fast bike that is put together with high quality, Lazy riders or sightsee'rs may want a more forgiving bike. Do use a three inch fork, the geometry works better. happy spinning... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The paint job on these frames look's great out of the box but doesn't look that way for long. Paint chips off super easy. The derailer hanger is not beefy enough and is a common repair for this frame. The warranty service....well, not as good as one might hope. The up-side is that the frame rides like a dream. :>( | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Barrett
a cross-country rider
from Twin Lakes, Id.
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This thing is a single track fiend. Just think where you want to go and the bike will follow. I have riden this all summer in Moab, Sun Valley, Wasatch, Winthrop, and North Idaho. The bike simply kicks ass on single track and climbs like you would not believe. In the June issue of Bike magazine Mike Ferentino described the Team SL as the most fun bike he has ever ridden.
Customer service is also exceptional. There is something somewhat telling when you call the company and Chris Dekerf answers the phone. Try that with Gary Fisher, Bontrager, or even Fat Chance.
The only negative is the fragile paint job. The bike is so beautiful out of the box that you don't even want to ride it (I got mine during mud season). The first few paint chips are an emotional experience but once you remember that this bike was purchased for function and not form you forget about them.
Save some extra clams and buy this frame, you won't be disapointed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nancy Coles
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My '97 TeamSL is off the scale incredible. Light & lively yet stiff. A great climber yet comfortable down the otherside. These are the best kept secret in
mountain biking. Oh yea, green have never looked so good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelvin Wong
a cross-country rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Have the team sl frame. Its the best chromoly frame money can buy.
The rear triangle is tange prestige and front is reynolds 853. Rear dropouts
are ritchey's. Workmanship is second to none. The ride is a dream come true.
Comfy vertically, stiff laterally. 5 stars for sure. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Velikonja
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '94 Tangerine model. Nice and stiff. Beautiful workmanship.
Had to have a local bike builder braze-on a anti-chain suck plate.
The '94's didn't have them. They do now.
I get lots of compliments on the trails on the colour and looks.
I protected the paint job with a 3M plastic film that they use on
Porsche 911's to protect the paint work. Bike still looks brand new
and you can hardly see the film. The kind of bike you can upgrade
components and not regret it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sarkis Benliyan
a weekend warrior
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Praise my bike, for it is blessed. I've ridden all kinds of bikes, both steel, carbonfiber and aluminum but my Kerf is it! Beautifully sculptured, excellent ride, especially long climbs. What can I say.... I want one more (maybe a roadframe). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jean-Francois Nowlan
a cross-country rider
from Blainville QC Canada
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got the 94 (tangerine) model and it's still in perfect condition. The welds and paint job on this bike make it a real piece of art. It handles everything you can throw at it: uphill, downhill, sprinting on the flat, etc.
The frame is light and stiff. What's more, it's always pleasing hearing a guy tell you your bike looks terrific, while he load his dual suspension techno gizmo on top of his BMW. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Serniak
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 94 model (there was only one hard-tail model at the time). Having had a Rocky Blizzard before, I welcomed the stretched out position which resulted from the longer top tube. The bike handles beautifully, climbs very well, and allows me to comfortably ride for long periods. I have about 8000 miles on it (albeit many on road) and do not have any problems with the paint (met. tangerine). After a cleaning, the bike still looks virtually brand new, give or take a couple of scratches and minor chips. Despite being three years old now, the bike does not look dated and stands out as a cut above the rest. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry Lyngen
a weekend warrior
from Victoria BC Canada
Date Reviewed: January 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 95 DeKerf and it couldn't be better. It is the Best steel frame I have ever had the opportunity to abuse. It loves to climb. The overall feel is very lively. The detail in the welds is outstanding. I love this bike. I wish the paint was stronger though. I have a red frame and matching fork and stem. I find the paint chips too easily. At this rate I won't have any paint left after 2 more seasons! But it rides like dream. | | Overall Rating: |
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